Anrich Nortje was lucky to escape a serious injury on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test.
On Day 2 of the Test match, Nortje was stationed at backward square leg during Australia’s first innings when a fast-moving spidercam of Fox Sports hit him and he fell on the ground. Fortunately, the Proteas fast bowler was on his feet immediately and did not leave the playing arena.
After the day’s play, Nortje said his elbow is a bit sore but otherwise he seemed to be okay.
“I didn't know what hit me, to be honest. So far so good. It just knocked the [left] shoulder and the [left] elbow. The elbow is a bit sore but otherwise seems to be okay. I'll just monitor it and see how it goes with the [doctor],” Nortje said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
“I saw cables and then I turned around or moved my head and then I saw the camera, but I was a little bit too late. It was quite quick. It didn't really change my mindset or anything. I tried to stay focused,” he added.
Anrich Nortje was lucky to escape a serious injury as the camera, which hovers above the players, went too low and struck the speedster from behind.
Nortje feels the wire-guided camera should not go too low unless it’s for interviews after the match.
“I think the one thing we've spoken about earlier is how low it is and it probably shouldn't be unless [it needs to be] for certain interviews or something. But I don't think it should be travelling head height. That's just my opinion. And then for Marco [Jansen] as well, they must take him into consideration [for his height],” he remarked.
For the incident, the official broadcaster Fox Sports has apologised to Nortje and the South African team.
(With ESPNCricinfo inputs)